Amon Kimeli

Report of GLOMAR PhD student Amon Kimeli about his field campaign at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (his parent institute) in Kenya from 10 January to 10 March 2019

During my research stay in Kenya, I had to undertake a planned fieldwork to collect samples for my PhD study investigating the sources of sediments delivered by the transboundary Umba River to the mangroves of Vanga, Kenya. The sampling plan was such that I had to collect both water and sediment samples along the longitudinal gradient of the Umba River channel from its source in the Eastern Usambara Mountains to its mouth in Vanga where it drains its water to the Indian Ocean. This plan meant that I had to sample both in Kenya and neighboring Tanzania.

I was able to sample a total of 7 sites along the Umba River with 4 on the Kenyan side and 3 on the Tanzanian side. I also did laboratory sample pre-analysis preparation at KMFRI including freeze drying of sediments, and acidifying water samples for trace element analysis. I also determined the organic matter content using the loss of ignition method, total suspended sediment using filtering method and grainsize analysis using laser particle analyzer. Additionally, I had to visit other government agencies including the Water Resources Authority (WRA) and Kenya Meteorology Department (KMD) to seek river gauge data from Umba River and rainfall data respectively.

Apart from the PhD related field work, I was with my family and visiting my parents. It was valuable time both on the research and family front. I am now working in the lab to analyze the collected samples and I am grateful to DAAD for the financial support , ZMT and KMFRI for the support (field equipment and lab space).

Photo showing mangroves adjacent to the Umba River in the intertidal areas of Vanga

Amon taking elevation measurements (data) from the installed sediment-elevation tables (SETs).

Amon filtering river water — Amon (to the left) filtering river water into pre-washed PE bottles for trace element analysis. With him is a lab technologist colleague from KMFRI

Showing exposed sediments during low tide and evidence of sedimentation in mangrove creeks.